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Monday, September 5, 2011

The Campaigner Challenge # 1

I'm taking part in the platform building campaign, and today Rachael Harrie posted her first challenge at her blog, Rach Writes: Write a flash fiction, 200 words or less, that opens with "The door swung open." If possible, close with "The door swung closed." My sample is below.

BUT FIRST: Don't forget the contest to win a free copy of my book, The Fourth Wish, in either paperback or Kindle format (winner's choice). The contest ends this Friday, September 9th. To follow the rules for getting points, please go here, and any comments you have regarding the contest, please leave at the same site (here), so that I can keep your points straight.

Cassie bit her lip. The deal was that she had to come alone. At midnight. Justin would be watching from someplace nearby to make sure.

Why did she take his dares? Wading up the Truckee River after school. Cutting classes to hang out in Idlewild Park. (That one got her sent to the principal's office.) But, Justin was cool. And when Cassie went along with each new challenge, he made her feel she was cool, too. It was worth getting into trouble just to see the envious stares from other girls as he walked her down the hall between classes.

Cassie shivered. This was the first night-time dare. The abandoned house was creepy enough even in daylight. Shutters hung lopsided from the front windows, like broken wings. A loose board near the threshold creaked under her foot. She should turn back.

But, an image of Justin walking down the hall with Angela Black -- the most popular girl at school -- instead of her, made Cassie swallow her fright. She stepped into the waiting darkness.

This was really interesting, it's intriguing that Cassie wants Justin's approval and attention so much that she's willing to do all these things for me, makes me wonder what it is about him that's so appealing!

Oh-ho-ho, I like this one! My sister and I had a few adventures of the bold sort when we were young, and Cassie reminds me of long ago days...Ha! A little dumb, yes, but she's going to have great stories to tell later...lol. 'Remember that time we....' ~ Nadja

J. A. - Yeah, I sometimes worry about the risks young girls take these days. A fine line between being trustful and being gullible and desperate. Sooo much trouble they can get into for such poor reasons.

I know so many people who would love to go back and relive this period of their lives, but I wouldn't. The intense need for acceptance! Ugh! You capture it very well. Poor, sweet Cassie. Maybe she'll move on before Justin does and realize he's just not worth it! ;)

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About Me I write mysteries, short stories, children's books, and poetry.

Thanks for stopping by. I'm a happily married author who loves to travel to Spain and India with my husband and blog about the many things I uncover in my research and travels.
I write mysteries, historical fiction and children's books. I hope you will visit often and leave comments and tell me about yourself.

The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal 2012, Jessica Bell

The Stray Branch Spring/Summer Anthology

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Favorite Reads

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Hattie Big Sky, The Giver, Steinbeck's Ghost, Esparanza Rising, Circle of Gold, The Tale of Despereaux, Milagros, Girl from Away, The TreeKeepers, The Book Thief, The Green Glass Sea, The Cuckoo Clock, A Wrinkle In Time, Ozimund's Quest, The Jesse James Scrapbook, A String in the Harp, The Lightning Thief, The Lost Years of Merlin, Bridge of Time, The Haunting of Charles Dickens